THE government is putting in great resources and time on developing re-gasified liquified natural gas (RLNG). At least three terminals for RLNG are planned, while the signing of contracts for supply, transportation and sale of RLNG is in its final stages. Fixed percentages to PSO, SSGC and SNGPL for supplying RLNG have also been allocated.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural officials state that Pakistan’s current natural gas supply is around four billion cubic feet while demand is 6.5 billion cubic feet. They claim that the current supply sources will be depleted by 50 per cent by 2028.

This is why the government claims it is expediting RLNG supply, and setting aside a huge budget and providing incentives and loans to companies to ensure RNLG supply. The ministry is perhaps acting in haste.

Pakistan ranks 29th in the world for gas reserves and has proven reserves of 220,000 billion cubic feet, while a USAID survey done in 2014 has estimated Pakistan gas reserves at 10.5 quadrillion cubic feet (15 zeroes). The proven gas reserves are enough to supply natural gas for centuries not years.

Why is the ministry importing liquefied natural gas instead of making efforts to increase local production through exploration and drilling? The matter demands a thorough probe.

Engr Shahryar Khan Baseer

Peshawar

Published in Dawn, August 16th, 2016